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3:33 Sports Short #15 // Talisman by Justin Carter

In the dining room,my father—tannedfrom climbing pipelines& still young—clutches a signed ball,listens to the radio& the announcer,each strike bringing himfarther & fartherfrom his dream—until it’s over,so suddenly he doesn’tknow what comes next.In Houston, thereare tears. What to dowith that sadness?& nineteen years later,my own self clutchinga different signed ball,I watch a small screenwhile we go downfour straight games.Why do we placesuch faith in this tradition?Even now, I wearthe same jersey each night& blame losing onhow I forgot to wear it,like my body communesdirectly with a spiritthat determines these things.

Justin Carter co-edits _____ On Sports & is a PhD student at the University of North Texas. His poems appear in The Collagist, cream city review, The Journal, Redivider, & Passages North.